David Powell v. HHS - Tdap, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2016)

David Powell filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on August 5, 2016, alleging that he suffered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Powell stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that he experienced residual effects for more than six months, and that there had been no prior award or settlement for damages.

The respondent denied that the Tdap vaccine caused or aggravated his alleged injuries. However, on August 4, 2016, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. David Powell was awarded a lump sum of $132,500.00 as compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, clinical details, or expert testimony.